Uses of
Filters, Air Purifiers and Cleaners
Purifiers are generally
classified according to the technology employed to remove various sized particles and/or
gases from the air. The general types of technologies available for use in these include
mechanical filters, electronic air filters and hybrid filters for the capture of particles
and gas phase filters to control odors. Those which operate by chemical process, such as
ozonization, also exist and vary in style. The selection of the different types of air
cleaners should depend on the intended use of the filter. Filters' wide applications
include:
- protecting the HVAC equipment and
components,
- protecting the furnishings and decor
of occupied spaces
- reducing housekeeping and building
maintenance
- reducing furnace and heating
equipment fire hazards
- protecting the general well-being of
residents.
The first four of these applications
can be accomplished with the lower efficiency filters generally used in central HVAC
systems. The last, which has to do with health issues, will require much higher
performance filtration.
It may not always be possible to
install this equipment in older existing environmental systems. Thus, self-contained
portable room filters must sometimes be used to obtain sufficiently high levels of
filtration effectiveness.
The efficiency of filters is measured in terms of the particle size that the device can
capture. In most cases, very small particles are the ones that penetrate deep into the
lungs, causing health problems. Look for mechanical filters such as HEPA filters and
electronic filters that can effectively trap large and small particles.
The reviewed data provide little
reason to endorse the use of inexpensive table top, appliance-type filters, regardless of
the technology they employ. In general, high-efficiency particle collection requires
larger filters or electronic air filters to ensure adequate removal of particulates as
well as promoting better comfort levels. The easier it is to breathe, the more comfortable
you are. It is that simple.
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